QB Gradkowski to start finale for Browns

Dec 24, 2008 - 11:38 PM BEREA, Ohio (Ticker) -- Bruce Gradkowski will start at quarterback for the Cleveland Browns in Sunday's regular-season finale at Pittsburgh.

Gradkowski's spot in the starting lineup was secured when Cleveland opted to place Ken Dorsey on injured reserve Wednesday. Dorsey suffered a rib injury and a mild concussion in last week's 14-0 loss to Cincinnati.

Also, the Browns promoted quarterback Richard Bartel from the practice squad to serve as the backup.

Gradkowski replaced Dorsey in the fourth quarter against the Bengals and completed 2-of-5 passes for eight yards with an interception.

"He's been in the playbook trying to get himself up to speed best he can," head coach Romeo Crennel said.

Cleveland (4-11) already has lost Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn to season-ending injuries. Gradkowski will be the fourth quarterback to start for the team this season.

"(Gradkowski) has that experience," Crennel said. "He's a pretty heady QB. I think he's really excited about being able to start again in the NFL."

Cleveland's offense has been an unmitigated disaster as the Browns have not scored an offensive touchdown in five games.

Dorsey has started the last three games - his first significant action since 2005 - but has passed for only 374 yards while completing 47-of-93 passes.

A Pittsburgh native who played collegiately at Toledo, Gradkowski started 11 games for Tampa Bay in 2006, his rookie season. He passed for 1,661 yards and nine touchdowns.

Running back Josh Cribbs also could be available as the emergency quarterback.